Investing in a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device for the first time can feel like taking a giant leap of faith. These gadgets are not exactly inexpensive, and after you include them in the cost of storage, you may be looking at a financial outlay of hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
QNAP and Synology are well-known names in the Network Attached Storage (NAS) industry. If you find yourself in the middle of the brand war raging between QNAP and Synology and are wondering which one to pick, QNAP or Synology, you've come to the right spot. In this QNAP vs Synology guide, you'll find out everything you need about Synologys and QNAPs NAS units and which is better. Let's get started!
The Introduction of QNAP and Synology
Before we dive into the Synology vs QNAP comparison, you need to know what Synology and QNAP really are:
QNAP
QNAP NAS is a device consisting of one or more hard drives constantly linked to the Internet. QNAP maybe your backup hub or storage unit for your essential data and media, such as images, movies, and music. You may keep it at home and use it whenever and wherever you choose. Some famous QNAP NAS devices are QNAP TS451d24g, QNAP TS251D, etc.
Synology
Synology Inc. invented Synology NAS. It centralizes data storage and backup, streamlines file sharing, optimizes video management, and secures network deployment to ease data administration. It may also be used at home regularly. Some famous Synology NAS devices are Synologys diskstation, including Synology diskstation 220 and Synology diskstation 220+.
Synology vs QNAP: Comparison of Features
Choosing the correct NAS device may be difficult since you don't want to be trapped with a device that won't meet your demands in a couple of years. We split down the two manufacturers into numerous variables to assist you in determining which NAS device is the closest match for your requirements to spare some of you from making the incorrect selection.
The Operating System: DSM vs QTS
Their unique approach to user experience is reflected in their Linux-based proprietary operating systems. Classic Windows or Linux user interfaces inspire Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM). Anyone with basic computer literacy will have no trouble navigating the program. Synologys DSM isn't crowded, and the associated management tools have nicely tucked choices that make the UI seem cleaner and more approachable. Furthermore, Synology's superior software optimization guarantees that its applications and DSM remain constant regardless of NAS type.
Meanwhile, QNAP's QTS UI is more smartphone-like. It seems current with all animations and slick transitions throughout the OS and first-party applications. However, the interface is rather cluttered, making navigation difficult, particularly for people using a QNAP system for the first time. QTS throws a lot of choices at you, from the initial setup procedure to the control panel (which you'll use a lot to manage everything on the NAS), resulting in a little daunting experience from the start.
RAID Options
Another common reason consumers choose a NAS is the ability to defend against data loss due to hardware failure using a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology. The data in a RAID system is copied and shared over numerous drives, so if one drive fails, the lost data can be restored owing to the RAID system.
Regarding the available choices for RAID Configuration Options, Synology has a distinct edge. While both QNAP and Synology devices provide typical RAID levels, Synology NAS units also enable Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR). The SHR system allows for a RAID system of mixed discs, which QNAP NAS systems do not support.
QNAP equipment can only handle classic RAID systems in which everything must be identical. A standard RAID system will regard a different drive as the disc with the lowest capacity if you use a different drive. While there are a few reasons why you would purchase drives of varying capacities, the SHR system is a useful feature, given that you may be compelled to buy a larger drive in a few years owing to storage shortages.
NAS File Systems
The EXT 4 file system is used by most QNAP and Synology devices. BTRFS is an option for the default file system on the most advanced Synology NAS machine. In addition to supporting all of the functionalities of EXT 4, it can do background data integrity checks, which helps to accelerate the process of establishing and reconstructing RAID.
Although QNAP has not yet implemented BTRFS as a file system on any of its models, the company does provide ZFS on its enterprise rack-mount equipment for more sophisticated businesses. In this regard, Synology is superior to QNAP since its file system combines EXT 4 and BTRFS.
Hardware Capabilities
In the network storage arena, Synology and QNAP compete with a very competitive portfolio across categories. However, QNAP has a tiny advantage here since it provides many more configuration possibilities right once, eliminating the need to hunt for hardware upgrades later on.
You can choose the quantity of RAM ahead on simple consumer goods. Still, as you progress into the prosumer and small business categories, these configurations become more sophisticated, with choices to mix and match the CPU, the LAN connection, and more. While this is great news for individuals who desire that type of flexibility, it may be somewhat perplexing for others unfamiliar with the subtleties of the NAS world. Synology's inventory has fewer SKUs in each category, making it more approachable to newcomers.
Drive Bays
You must have noticed that network-attached storage (NAS) devices have various disc capacities to choose from. The average capacity for users in a home or small office setting would range between two and four drive bays. The advantage here goes to Synology unless you have plans to replace all of your current hard drives with ones that have a bigger capacity. They provide two extension units (the DX517 and the DX1215) that are compatible with their conventional NAS systems for use in homes or small offices. Depending on how many you need, these can swiftly add five to twelve drive bays to your storage drive capacity.
Although QNAP does provide extension units, these products are geared toward the business sector. If you want to utilize them in a home or small office setting, they won't function unless you also install some server racks.
File Permissions in NAS
When it comes to accessing typical popular file formats, such as DOCX, PDF, AVI, MP3, and so on, Synology is a more user-friendly option. QNAP, on the other hand, is better suited to opening files that aren't as often used, such as MKV, GIF, and RAR. QNAP offers a wider selection of third-party apps, many of which may be integrated into the company's file manager and other applications. This indicates that you won't need to download these files to your local computer before you may access them immediately on the NAS.
To determine which one is superior in this regard, depending on whether you want to open common or unusual files, you may decide which one is best. Synology is superior at opening the more conventional file types. If you want to open unusual files, QNAP is your better option.
Customer Support
They provide simplified support methods, such as tutorials, a service portal, and immediate customer help phone lines. However, there is considerable variation in the user community. Synology has a more active user community, with various third-party forums to facilitate discussion. The number of users in the Synology Reddit channel alone outnumbers r/qnap by 79.3k to 15k.
While both corporations provide enough direct assistance, strong NAS communities are worth their weight in gold. A NAS can do so many things, and the ability to locate support for unusual or unsupported functionality is vital.
QNAP vs Synology: Which One Is Better?
Both Synology and QNAP provide a diverse choice of NAS devices. However, this is mostly due to technological requirements. The operating system has a significant impact, and Synology DSM provides a more simplified experience while preserving powerful capabilities. Because of gadget extensibility, the brand also offers more upgrade possibilities.
If there is one argument against Synology, it is the prospect of getting trapped onto Synology drives in the future. However, as of now, it only pertains to their business product line.
ProMAX Platform: Best Alternative to QNAP and Synology
Wish to find a good alternative for QNAP and Synology? ProMax Platform is your best bet. ProMAX Platform provides the perfect shared storage you need for storing your data. Shared video editing storage is at the heart of every collaborative video team, yet few workgroups begin and conclude with shared storage. Platform was created as an all-in-one solution for managing media assets, archiving, and securely storing media for creative teams of all sizes and budgets.
ProMAX Platform offers high-performance video storage solutions that meet your requirements today. As your company expands, so does your Platform, providing you with all of the features and depth of capabilities you need now and in the future.
ProMAX's data storage servers now incorporate data encryption. ProMAX provides 16- and 24-bay storage workstations with drive bay speeds ranging from 5500 MB/s (on SSDs) and a huge commitment to video performance. The Intel Xeon (dual-core) 2nd generation processor, 24 core, 32 GB of RAM, and a graphics card are placed within the 16-bay chassis. This NAS server is the finest option for streaming movies from services like Plex media server.
Final Words
Regarding NAS servers, QNAP and Synology are two of the finest brands in the market. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. And we hope that you know which brand to pick after reading this QNAP vs Synology guide. Moreover, we recommend using the ProMAX Platform If you're looking for an alternative to QNAP and Synology.
